I feel like between how often I moved growing up (a few of which were international moves) and how many times Tim and I have moved since we got married (especially that Chicago move into a micro-apartment) that I am experienced enough to give others moving tips. It can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming to plan a move even if you’ve known about it for a while. So, here are some quick tricks and moving tips to help you keep a handle on things.
Moving Tips and Tricks
It doesn’t matter if you are moving four miles away or four states away, moving can make you go crazy. Making sure you have a game plan and countdown checklist is vital. And while you want to start planning your move as soon as you find out you’ll be relocating a good starting timeline is about six weeks before the big day.
6 weeks out
Six weeks can either seem like no time at all or all the time in the world depending on how much you’ve gotten done or how stressed you are. Around this time though, there are a few things you want to make sure you start working on.
Make Reservations.
You’ll want to start finalizing a moving company if you will be using one. Same thing with renting a truck, getting a storage unit or reserving a pod.
Create a packing plan.
Create a system for your “Keep. Trash. Donate” items and know where you will be donating or throwing items away at, especially for bigger items like furniture. This is a great time to start considering what might not make the cut. This is also a great time to make a list of what items you might want to sell. If you have enough, you could have a yard sale. But if it is just a few items here or there, look at sites like Facebook’s Market Place, Let Go, or Craigslist.
2 weeks out
With two weeks between you and the move, it is time to start getting some things in order.
Cancel current services and start new services.
Call your location-based services like cable and internet to be transferred to your new home or cancel them. Services like electric, gas, and water will need to be switched from your name so give customer service s a call to get it taken care of. In many cases you can easily transfer your service from your old home to your new, so always be sure to ask!
Change your address.
With just two weeks to go you’ll want to also make sure you change your address. The post office now offers the service online which makes it quick and easy! Don’t forget to call your banks or credit cards to have them update your profile as well – most financial correspondence will be returned to the sender instead of forwarded to your new address.
Contact your insurance.
Depending on where you’re moving to you might need to adjust your policies, so give your insurance company a call and talk over your options. If you are renting this is also a great time to see if you can bundle your renter’s insurance with your auto policy for extra savings!
1 week out
It is the homestretch! Here are the last minute things you don’t want to forget to do.
Confirm the movers.
Give the moving company a call and confirm times. There is nothing more stressful than being ready to move and having your movers be late or no show.
Prepare essentials.
Before your whole life is packed into the back of a truck make sure you have the essentials ready and know where important documents will be during the move. If you have little ones or pets who need a “day of bag” go ahead and get that started too!
Finish packing.
You’ve got a few days left to finish packing everything. Trust us, you don’t want to be packing the day of your move! So, get it finished up in the next day or two.
Moving day is here
Drop off little ones and pets.
If you have little ones or pets in the family drop them off at a friends house or daycare so that you don’t have to worry about anything. There will be a lot of open doors and big pieces of furniture moving around. Making sure your little ones are happy and safe elsewhere will make the day less stressful for everyone!
Clean.
Once everything is packed and the house is empty you’ll be able to clean. It is so much easier to vacuum with no beds or couches in the way. And if you haven’t already done so, making that donate run is also a great idea.
Tie up loose ends.
If there are any last minute things you need to get done this is the time to do them. Turn in your garage opener, make sure you turn off the lights, and tie up any loose ends. If anything does need to be addressed post-move, make a list!
With a number moves under my belt I’ve learned that being organized and having a game plan is key. I hope these moving tips help make your move easier. And remember, always buy extra tape! You never seem to have enough. Ever.